Cllr Kathleen Shanagher has announced that she will not be a candidate in next year’s local elections, saying it is time for a “new chapter” in her life. Her decision to opt out means that two of the sitting six councillors in the Roscommon Municipal District are not running in 2024. Cllr. Orla Leyden had previously announced that she would not be a candidate.
The following is the full text of a statement just released by Cllr. Shanagher.
‘This week ten years ago, I announced my intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2014 Local Elections. With the support of my husband Ray, son Cathal, daughter Caoimhe, extended family and great friends, I successfully secured a seat to represent the people of the Roscommon Municipal Area, and in 2019, I was delighted to be re-elected.
‘I was privileged to be elected as Leas Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Chairperson of the GRETB, Chairperson of the Roscommon Municipal Area, a member of committees and to represent Roscommon County Council at many events.
‘As a Board Member of the GRETB, and current Vice Chairperson, I have seen first-hand the funding spent in the county to provide accommodation and resources for students and staff to avail of. I have been an advocate of apprenticeships for many years and sincerely hope to see my efforts in this regard rewarded in the near future.
‘It has been an honour to be a councillor since 2014. I take great pride in representing the people of Roscommon to the best of my ability and working for them.
‘However, I have now decided it is time for a new chapter in my life and I will not be contesting the Local Elections in 2024. I will continue to work with my colleagues as a councillor and represent the people of the Roscommon Municipal Area until the elections. I would like to thank everyone who voted for me and supported me in my time as an elected representative.
‘I would like to thank my fellow councillors and all the staff of Roscommon County Council for their help and support and I am very proud of the many projects which were successfully completed in this area since 2014.
‘Finally, I wish all the candidates contesting the local elections in 2024 the very best of luck’.
